Here we are – we’ve made it to another spring, with surely one of the most anticipated Kiwi summers in living memory almost upon us. The gardens are starting to blossom, the days are longer, and our thoughts are turning to enjoying all the Shore has to offer this summer.

This month, we feature local athlete Matt Fenn – a man attempting an extraordinary feat, on his feet. The endurance runner is scaling the length of New Zealand, twice, to raise awareness and funds to support positive mental health.
The Shore-based public speaker and mental health advocate has already run over 1,000km for this cause, tackling some world records in the process. In 2021, Matt embarked on a 654km run in under a week; each kilometre representing a New Zealander who has lost their life to suicide in an average year. A powerful statement, all in aid of Kiwi charity I Am Hope. Aidan spoke to him ahead of his latest eye-watering challenge.
I spent an afternoon with a proud-as-punch Owen Melhuish, president of North Shore Brass as the band sits on the eve of its golden jubilee celebrations, with much to celebrate. Recent wins at the national championships, burgeoning membership and a sustainable financial strategy mean the Taharoto Road-based brass band is experiencing a golden era and will take to the Bruce Mason Centre stage with much gusto for its ‘A Century of Brass’ concert on Saturday 21 October.
Several stylish locals have shared their thoughts on current fashion for our Q & A this month, with insights on what inspires their looks and tips on trends this spring/ summer season. As always, our push is to encourage locals to support local businesses, showcase local events, celebrate local people and bring a little good news, light reading to local lives. 

Enjoy October.

Heather Barker Vermeer,
Editor